The best Diwali lighting ideas are the ones that brighten up your home as well as your mood. You can use diyas, string lights, lanterns or a combination of lighting and decorations to set the festive mood. A few well-placed lights around the entrance, balcony and living room will set a nice festive mood without having to fill up all the surfaces with lights and decorations.
Think about what areas you’d like to light up before hand and have a look at what you already have in order to make it easier. Here are some tips that will help you set a festive yet safe mood at home:
1. Brighten up the Entrance with Diyas
A row of clay diyas near the entrance is a good way to start decorating. You can place them either along the sides of the doorway, on a stable ledge or around a rangoli. Use traditional oil diyas or LED lights, depending on the surface you’re using the diyas on.
Make sure to keep real-flame diyas away from anything that can catch fire, place them on a stable surface and never leave them unattended.
2. Add Warm String Lights
String lights are versatile and can easily be put up around door frames, windows, balconies and shelves. Warm-white lights will create a nice glow, while coloured lights can be used to set a festive mood.
Pick the kind of lights you’ll want to use for each area and give yourself time to read the label and instructions, especially for outdoor lights. Make sure to always keep the plug and wiring away from water and turn off the lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
3. Make the Balcony or Terrace Shine
The balcony or terrace makes for a great place to host visitors and enjoy the festive celebrations. You could hang some string lights along the railing, put out a lantern or two at the seating area or light up a few LED candles on a table. Make sure to always keep the path clear and wide enough for visitors to move around comfortably.
Lights and extension cords should be in good condition and suited for the outside, if possible. Secure the cord in a good position where it won’t come loose when walking over it and cause a hazard.
4. Make a Rangoli with Light
A rangoli looks really pretty with some small lights around it. You can use LED tea lights or a few diyas placed around the design, but be sure to leave some space between the lights. Alternatively, you can use a battery-operated rangoli light, if you’d prefer not to use an open flame.
Make sure to always keep the pattern and any cord clear of other objects and free from loose wiring, in order to make it easier and more fun to admire.
5. Add Some Lanterns for a Cosy Look
Lanterns made from paper, metal or glass make great decorations and can add a pop of colour to your festive look. You can hang them up near a doorway or put some on a table or shelf. Battery-operated lights can often be found inside lanterns, so make sure you read the instructions and specifications before buying.
Try to use a few lanterns of the same colour in one area, instead of putting them everywhere you can.
6. Light Up Windows, Shelves and Corners
It’s not necessary to light up the entire house. Use a string of lights along a window or a small table lamp in a room to brighten it up. Put in lights around a shelf to make it stand out or to highlight a display.
You can use a few lights of varying heights to create a balanced look. For example, place a few lights on the floor or at a lower height, add a lamp on a side table nearby and a string of lights around a window.
7. Add Traditional Diyas and LED Lights
Traditional diyas paired with LED lights make a nice combination. It sets back the festive Diwali mood without being too overwhelming, since you get the warm glow of an oil diya without the hassle of a real open flame. You can use LED lights for hanging lights around the house and use diyas at open areas, with nothing flammable nearby.
When using both kinds of lights, make sure to keep the diyas away from fabrics and wires, in order to enjoy the look and not worry about a fire hazard.
8. Go with a Colour Theme
Using a theme for your Diwali decorations will give you a nice cohesive look for your celebration. Warm white will look nice with gold and browns, while multicoloured lights will set a more upbeat mood. You can even match the lanterns you’re using with the rangoli light and the cushions you’re sitting on.
Pick a few colours you’d like to work with and use them in various areas. If you stick to a certain colour palette, you’ll notice that even a few simple pieces look great together.
9. Get Creative with DIY Lighting Decor
A few small DIY lighting decor touches can add some fun personality to your festive look. You can use battery lights in a glass jar and place a few LED candles around a tray, for example. Just make sure you use the right materials and containers to store or hang the light. Avoid using things that can easily catch fire, unless you’re certain that it will be safe.
If you’re unsure whether something is safe to use with an open flame, go with an LED light option and make sure to read the manufacturer instructions for any other specifications.
Lighting Ideas by Area
| Area | Lighting idea |
|---|---|
| Entrance | Clay diyas, lanterns or warm string lights |
| Living room | Table lamps, LED candles or lights around a shelf |
| Balcony | Outdoor-rated string lights or lanterns |
| Rangoli | LED tea lights or carefully placed diyas |
| Windows | A short string of warm or coloured lights |
Tips for a Safer Lighting Setup
- Make sure there are no faults on the lights, plugs or wiring
- Use outdoor-rated lights outside the home
- Keep electrical connections far away from water
- Keep diyas and candles on a stable, heat-safe surface
- Keep open flames away from curtains and decorations
- Don’t overload sockets or extension boards
- Turn off lights when you’re leaving home or going to sleep
- Keep paths and wires clear of any decorations
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some simple Diwali lighting ideas?
Decorate the entrance with diyas, add some lights in front of a window or balcony and put out lanterns or LED candles in the living room. Start with the areas your guests will see first.
How can I decorate my home for Diwali on a budget?
Use lights and decorations you already have. Add a few diyas and make a small rangoli. Decorate a couple of key areas, instead of buying new things for every part of the house.
Are LED lights suitable for Diwali decorations?
Yes! They come in a variety of colours and styles and can be used in many places. Make sure to read the instructions, when using LEDs. Use outdoor-rated lights in outside areas.
Where should I place diyas?
Put diyas on a stable, heat-safe place and far away from anything that can catch on fire. Keep them in areas where people won’t bump into them and make sure they’re never left unattended.
How can I decorate a balcony for Diwali?
Use outdoor-rated string lights along the railing and put out a lantern at the seating area. Keep cords secured and paths clear of any obstacles.
Conclusion
The best Diwali lighting ideas are the ones you feel comfortable with and that make your home feel nice and festive. Use DIY diyas, string lights, lanterns or LED candles to brighten up the entrance, living room and balcony. Plan ahead and put up lights in an organised fashion and keep open flames and electrical connections in safe places. Some well-placed lights can make your home feel festive and welcoming.